Labour's National Executive Committee has rejected Andy Burnham's request to be considered for the Gorton and Denton by-election. The NEC took less than 24 hours to consider his request, which was blocked on the grounds of cost and unity. The decision was reportedly put to a vote of ten members, which included Shabana Mahmood, Lucy Powell, Ellie Reeves (sister of Rachel) and the PM himself. Mahmood abstained in her position as chair, while the vote went against Burnham almost unanimously by 8-1. Powell voted in favour of Burnham, having publicly backed his candidacy.
Prior to the vote, Mahmood told reporters that allowing a directly elected mayor to vacate their post had 'organisational implications' for the party. While allies of Starmer were keen to block Burnham as a defensive move in order to prevent him manoeuvring for a leadership challenge, party sources are briefing that the decision was primarily down to the cost of a mayoral election to replace Burnham were he to win the by-election. However, another source was quoted as saying the decision was also motivated by the prospect of a 'divisive campaign'. It is true that some MPs and activists have declared their reluctance to campaign in Gorton and Denton if Burnham was the candidate.
The move is likely to provoke anger among supporters of Burnham, which includes a significant number of MPs.
